Rex Schilling, Claypool, passed away at 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne after suffering a stroke.
He was born on Oct. 30, 1930, to Clarence and Laura Schrock Schilling in Bippus. He grew up on the family dairy and pony farm surrounded by five brothers and one sister.
After graduating from Chester High School in 1948, he was called to the service of his country and joined the United States Army in 1951. He was deployed to Korea, earning commendations that included two purple hearts and the bronze star with valor.
Upon his return from service, he met Alice Foust, a Manchester College co-ed, at the Dairy Bar. It was love at first sight. They were married six months later on Aug. 14, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio. Together, they raised three children on their farm in Claypool. Their family grew to include 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, with one more expected in December.
Rex was a proud dairy and grain farmer but had many other interests. His passion included all sports. He was an avid fan of the Warsaw Tigers and never missed a game when his grandkids were involved. Recently, he began attending his great-grandchildren’s sporting events.
He and Alice also loved traveling. Rex had a personal goal of visiting all 50 states. He also compiled an impressive collection of vintage hand tools. These tools were impeccably cleaned, catalogued and organized. He was often seen at local auctions and was a member of the Midwest Tool Collectors Association and the Ohio Tool Collectors.
He was a member of the Center United Methodist Church in Silver Lake for the past 60 years, serving on numerous committees and boards over the years. He also enjoying morning coffee and conversation with his buddies in North Manchester until COVID prevented it in the past year.
Rex is survived by Alice, his wife of 65 years; their children: Kathee (Mike) Reed; Kim (Steve) Kesler; and Tom (Kelly) Schilling; his grandchildren: Lara (Brian) Barbour; Brooks (Jessica) Reed; Rob (Bethany) Kesler; Ross (Kristin) Kesler; Kara (Wes) Whisler; Kyla (Wes) Snoddy; Kandi (Shane) Eagan; Rhett Kesler; Sam Schilling; and Kate Schilling; great-grandchildren: Hallie and Reed Barbour; Harper, Scarlett and Iris Reed; Nolan, Serena, Paxton, Charlotte, Knox, Violet and Ivy Kesler; Gwynn, Molly, Vivyan and Guy Whisler; and Nova, Belle and Warren Snoddy; also, numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Laura Schilling; his brothers: Dean, Glen, Keith, Max and Jay; and his sister, Audra Beck.
On Friday, Oct. 30, Rex’s 90th birthday celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., with service following, at Center United Methodist Church in Silver Lake.
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For those wishing to make a memorial gift, Rex’s family would be honored by a contribution to Center United Methodist Church, 9485 Ind. 15, Silver Lake, IN 46982; or the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, P.O. Box 5, Huntertown, IN 46748.
